Allardyce: 'Fear overtook us'

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce feels fear took over once Sunderland score their first goal in the Black Cats 4-0 win at Selhurst Park Credit: Jonathan Brady/PA Wire/PA Images

Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce believes his side became fearful following their 4-0 loss to Sunderland AFC.

The former Black Cats boss witnessed his side go into half time 4-0 down after Lamine Kone, Didier N'dong and a Jermain Defoe double put the visitors ahead.

Sunderland gained their first three points of 2017 mounting pressure on the Eagles and Allardyce now feels he needs reinstill confidence into his players to avoide relegation.

Palace have 19 points - the same amount as Sunderland but remain one place above the bottom side on goal difference. The former England manager hopes the return of Jeffrey Schlupp and the addition of new signing Mamadou Sakho from Liverpool can make the difference in their fight for Premier League survival.